Tara Loper (Butler University '00)

January 25, 2001

(INDIANAPOLIS)-- The Indiana Invaders will seek early qualifying marks for USATF Indoor Nationals at the Smith Barney Invitational, a meet hosted by Butler University at the National Insitute for Fitness and Sports (NIFS) on Saturday, January 27th.

The Invaders look to build upon the results of the previous weekend where a select number of athletes turned in early season wins in 60 meter hurdles (Darren Youngstrom & Le'gretta Smith), long jump (Brendon Falconer & Pristina Jones), weight throw (Tara Loper), mile (Kelly French), and 3,000 meters (Gareth Wilford).

Invaders' Tara Loper, a graduate of Butler University, looks to improve upon her win of last weekend with marks necessary to qualify her for Indoor Nationals along with teammates Le'gretta Smith, Hope Sanders a graduate of Warren Central H.S., and Rick Sluder a graduate of Indiana State University and North Central H.S. Smith will be seeking marks in the 60 meter hurdles, Sanders in the 800 meters, and Sluder in the 5,000 meters.

Invaders' Kelly French will also look to solidify her final selection opportunities for the World Cross Country Championships with the Canadian World Cross Country Selection Committee. French having made herself eligible to represent Canada with her performance at the Canadian National Cross Country Championships is now required to demonstrate fitness as part of the final selection process. After her solid 4:42.70 Mile as a first of the season effort on the 20th, she will compete at 3,000 meters this weekend.

For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018 or at: (email).